Albona

This brightly painted mid-century bungalow is nestled on a street with high-rises. Inside, find a petite, cozy, and brasserie-like dining room outfitted with velvet curtains and effusive waiters donning traditional waistcoats. Photographs on the walls depict the Istrian village from which the restaurant takes both its name and cuisine inspiration: the focus here is on the peninsula's cooking, where classic Roman and Venetian styles meet Croatian influences. The menu reveals delicious but somewhat unfamiliar dishes like pork involtini stuffed with sauerkraut and enhanced by preserved-fruit sauce; or cured sardines with raisins and pine nuts. While presentations aren't overly refined, it's the ultimate in comfort fare—deeply satisfying and very flavorful.